Micromobility is often discussed in the context of minimizing traffic congestion
and transportation pollution by encouraging people to travel shorter (i.e.,
typically urban) distances using bicycle or scooters instead of single-occupancy
vehicles. It is also frequently championed as a solution to the
“first-mile/last-mile” problem. If the demographics and intended users of
micromobility vary largely by community, surely that means we must identify
different reasons for using micromobility.
Micromobility, User Input, and Standardization considers potential
options for standardization in engineering and public policy, how real people
are using micromobility, and the relevant barriers that come with that usage. It
examines the history of existing technologies, compares various traffic laws,
and highlights barriers to micromobility standardization—particularly in
low-income communities of color. Lastly, it considers how engineers and
legislators can use this information to effectively innovate micromobility
devices and regulatory frameworks that meet the needs of communities while
effectively outlining guidelines for providers. These are processes must happen
concurrently and inform one another.